Coronavirus: Dubai seeks to make quarantine less stressful on families

Community Development Authority chief says scheme will help mental health of children

A gift is dropped off to a household by a staff member from Dubai's Community Development Authority. The authority has launched an initiative to help support families who are in quarantine for Covid-1Show more

Dubai has begun a programme to help support and entertain children and families in quarantine.

The initiative was launched by the emirate’s Community Development Authority with the aim of  reducing the psychological effect of being forced to stay at home, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, on children.

The services include home screening, family-friendly quarantine facilities and recreational activities.

The authority said the initiative aims to transform the quarantine period into a positive experience for families.

“The global pandemic has affected people of all ages. However, children are the most vulnerable since they are unable to comprehend the reasons for their isolation,” said Ahmad Julfar, director general of the CDA in Dubai.

“Changes in their lives can affect their mental health and cause them to develop anxieties.

“It is crucial to provide them with psychological care and keep them active and positive by involving them in fun activities.”

Anyone who has recently travelled to the UAE or who has potentially come into contact with someone who tested positive for the virus is obliged to spend two weeks in quarantine or self-isolation.

The home-screening services offered by the authority reduce the need to visit clinics and healthcare facilities by sending medical staff are sent to the homes of families to conduct Covid-19 testing.

Arrangements will be made to ensure family members who test positive have a comfortable stay during quarantine and receive the best possible medical care, Mr Julfar said.

Asymptomatic Covid-19 patients and those with mild symptoms are offered the option to stay in hotels or other buildings, which the CDA say “provides a family-friendly atmosphere to ensure their comfort”.

“These facilities help create a pleasant experience for families and enable children to access remote-learning during the 14-day quarantine period,” said Mr Julfar.

The authority also organises activities to celebrate personal occasions and birthdays at the quarantine facilities and distributes toys and gifts to the children.

“The initiative we launched helps defuse the anxiety and psychological stress children face, especially those who are infected with Covid-19,” he said.

“We believe psychological therapy is equally important during their treatment so that they can overcome any negative feelings.”